Mini Gem Timeless Bracelet Tutorial

Prep thread & start: Cut ~4–5 ft of thread. Thread your needle and leave a 6–8" tail. If you prefer, make a small stop bead or anchor the tail by stitching into a few beads later. Make the starter pearl circle (anchor): String 3mm pearl → several 15/0s → 3mm pearl (or follow the video’s specific small-circle starter). Sew through the first beads a time or two so the start sits snug — this becomes your anchor/stop. Add first StormDuo + Mini GemDuo unit: From the anchor, pick up: 15/0 → StormDuo (enter hole that gives the desired orientation) → 15/0 → Mini GemDuo (one hole) → 15/0 → pearl. Sew back through a couple of the previous beads to seat the unit. Keep StormDuo point/curve orientation consistent as shown in the video. Create the repeating structural unit Repeat the sequence: 15/0 → StormDuo → 15/0 → Mini GemDuo → 15/0 → pearl, linking each new Mini GemDuo into the previous Mini GemDuo’s offered hole as required by the thread path. Maintain the same thread route through StormDuos (use the point or curve hole consistently) so the band stays uniform. Check length as you go: Periodically wrap the developing bracelet on your wrist or a mandrel — pearls and Mini GemDuos affect circumference. Stop when you reach the desired length minus clasp allowance. Add decorative 15/0 arcs: Exit an outer 15/0 and pick up a small arc (e.g., 3 × 15/0 or 15/0 → 15/0 → 15/0 → 15/0 depending on video). Sew into the corresponding bead on the opposite side to form tiny arches that frame the Mini GemDuos. Repeat symmetrically along the length for the lacy detail. Attach the wire guard / clasp loop (first end): At one end exit a secure bead, add a short string of 11/0s or 15/0s sized to the wire guard/clasp, pass through the wire guard, then back through adjacent beads and the guard again. Make 2–3 passes through the guard for strength. Finish the opposite end & close loop: Form the bead-loop for the clasp on the other end (e.g., 8–14 × 15/0 or exact count to fit your clasp). Route the thread through surrounding beads to anchor the loop, then test the clasp fit before final reinforcement. Reinforce the whole piece: Make 2–3 reinforcement passes through the high-stress areas: the wire guard, the first/last few units, and several key Mini GemDuo/StormDuo joins. Don’t over-tighten — keep the bracelet flexible. Tie off & bury tails: Weave each working tail through 4–6 inner beads, make a small weaver’s knot (optional), then trim and zap (if using synthetic thread) or secure with fray-fixer. Hide the tail inside bead bridges to keep the back tidy. Final checks: Inspect symmetry, confirm all StormDuos point/curve orientation, check that pearls sit centered, and ensure connector arcs sit evenly. Do one last gentle pass through any loose joins.